Latest news with #SarahKing
Scotsman
14 hours ago
- General
- Scotsman
Food safety expert reveals how to keep your food edible for longer
With the annual rate of food and drink price inflation in the UK reaching 4.5% in June 20251, it's no surprise that many Brits are trying to keep their food fresh for longer to avoid trips to the shop to buy replacements. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... To help Brits keep their food fresh for longer and store it in the safest possible way, Sarah King, food hygiene expert at High Speed Training, has shared her advice on how to keep some particularly tricky types of food stored safely. Many fresh foods can be tricky to keep fresh and safe to eat for long periods of time, and people are understandably concerned about eating food that is past its best in case it causes harm. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Bananas Avocado storage Sarah states: 'Bananas are a household staple in most UK homes, but they can be tricky to store properly and often the timeframe between them being under-ripe to over-ripe is short-lived. So, how should you store them to keep them fresher for longer? 'The first step to keep bananas fresh for longer is to buy them when they're still green, helping to give you the longest window when they're at their best. You should remove them from their plastic packaging, which traps the moisture released by the fruit as they ripen, making them ripen even faster. You should also separate them from other fruit, as being in close proximity to other ripening fruits will speed up the process for both. Instead, keep them in an open bowl on the countertop, away from other fruits. 'You should avoid refrigerating bananas whilst they're ripening, as this can prolong the process, but you can store them in the fridge when they're ripe. They should be good to eat for a week or more. You can also freeze bananas, but this is best when making smoothies or baking, as frozen bananas won't make the nicest snack.' Avocados Cheese and bread storage Sarah explains: 'Avocados are a popular, healthy breakfast treat, but they can be difficult to keep ripe. When purchasing the fruit, make sure you're buying them at the right stage of ripening. An unripe avocado will feel firm to the touch and will last for roughly a week, whilst a ripe fruit will feel slightly soft and will last for roughly three days. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Similar to bananas, you should avoid storing avocados near other fruits to slow down the ripening process. They can also be stored in the fridge, but only once they're ripe, where they will last for three days to a week. Avocados are also safe to be frozen, where they can be stored for up to six months. ' Bread Sarah says: 'It's the age-old question, should you bin or keep bread with spots of mould? Banana storage 'Mouldy bread is generally best thrown away, as the mould will likely have spread much further through the loaf than is actually visible. Buying sliced bread is a good, cheaper option for keeping your bread fresh for longer, as mould takes longer to spread throughout the loaf. 'To keep your bread fresh for longer, it's best to keep it covered, either in a bread bin or bread bag, and try to keep the packaging intact and covering as much of the bread as possible. You should also keep the loaf away from water, which can speed up the development of mould. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'If you tend to go through your bread slowly, a good option is to freeze it. This keeps the loaf edible and prevents the spread of mould. To thaw the bread, simply use the defrost setting on your toaster to avoid a soggy slice.' Cheese Fridge and freezer food storage Sarah shares: 'Storing cheese can be tricky, and the best method often depends on the particular type of cheese. Hard cheeses can be wrapped in clingfilm to be kept fresh for longer, whilst doing the same to soft cheeses will cause them to 'sweat'. Instead, keep your soft cheese wrapped in baking paper or a waxed cheese cloth to allow them to 'breathe', and then place them in an airtight container. 'A consistent temperature is important to keep cheese fresh, so it's important to place your cheese in the back of the fridge. This will prevent bacterial growth. 'Soft cheeses should be consumed quickly after opening, as their high moisture content means mould spreads quickly. Whilst some cheeses, like Stilton, intentionally include mould to add to the flavour, others, like Cheddar, do not benefit from mould, which can in some cases cause illness if consumed. Keep your cheese in an airtight container, and unless it's a particular type of cheese, dispose of it when you see large amounts of mould.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Potatoes Sarah says: 'Potatoes benefit from being stored in a cool, dark place, which will slow down the sprouting process. Avoid storing them in the fridge, as the cold will turn the starch into sugar and will taint the flavour. 'You should remove them from their plastic bags and refrain from washing them until you're ready to use them. Keep them separate from other veg, and keep them out of sunlight, which will reduce sprouting. Finally, you can cut off smaller green shoots, and potatoes in the early stages of sprouting are perfectly safe to eat.' Onions Sarah comments: 'Onions are a staple of many food dishes and are always useful to have in the house. For this reason, it's beneficial to keep them for as long as possible to avoid unnecessary extra purchases. 'Onions are best stored in a dry, dark place and should not be kept in the fridge. Remove them from their plastic bag to allow the air to circulate around them, and keep them separate from potatoes, as the two together may impact the lifespan of both items.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
GETTING TODAY'S TALENT "FUTURE READY" FOR TOMORROW'S DEMANDS: WFF ONE-DAY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS MAKE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACCESSIBLE TO ALL LEADERS
DALLAS, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF) is launching its most accessible, impactful professional development experience yet: the 2025 Leadership Development Workshops (LDWs), coming to six cities and two live-streamed virtual events this fall. Designed specifically for rising leaders eager to advance, this is WFF's best value offering. It features a dynamic roadshow of top-tier speakers, direct access to industry role models, and a full year of ongoing learning opportunities. Each Leadership Development Workshop registration includes a 12-month WFF membership, granting participants unlimited on-demand access to professional development content. "When you invest in developing your people, you're not just preparing them for what's next – you're showing them they matter," said Sarah King, Chief People Officer, Darden Restaurants and WFF Board Member. "These workshops are designed to meet rising leaders where they are, with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and a powerful network of support. It's one of the most impactful ways we have leveraged WFF professional development for building our teams to be ready for tomorrow's challenges." A New Era of Leadership DevelopmentEach immersive workshop is focused on leadership skills needed to prepare for the future demands of the workplace: Expert-Led Sessions: Exclusive Leader Exchange Panel: Direct access to senior industry executives for candid insights and real-world advice. Facilitated Networking: Build meaningful connections with peers, mentors, and industry role models. Year-Long Professional Development: Every registration unlocks a complimentary full-year WFF membership, granting unlimited access to on-demand learning. Designed for Impact: In-Person and VirtualRecognizing the challenges faced by field-based employees, WFF's workshops bring transformative learning directly to regional hubs and online, removing barriers and giving everyone access regardless of where they are based. 2025 Workshop Locations & Dates: Minneapolis, MN – General Mills HQ | October 7 Dallas, TX – Brinker International HQ + Virtual | October 14 Los Angeles, CA – Sysco Regional Office| October 16 Chicago, IL – McDonald's HQ | October 21 Atlanta, GA – The Coca-Cola Company HQ + Virtual | October 23 Orlando, FL – Darden Restaurants HQ | November 13 A Smart Investment in Your TalentRegistration is now open for these workshops, offering unmatched value in leadership development, with 12 months of access for the cost of a single day. Registration starts at just $349 (members/partners), $399 (non-members/partners), and $299 for virtual attendees. Group codes and bulk registration options are available for companies looking to develop high-potential talent across locations or offer the experience to their clients and customers. Contact events@ ABOUT WFF: WFF is the foodservice industry's thought leader, helping professionals at all stages of their careers build personal and professional competencies to accelerate their advancement. WFF leverages research, insights and best practice solutions that enable food companies to address the pressing need for talent, drive better consumer insights and increase business performance by adopting inclusive leadership practices that enable organizations to realize the full potential of a multifaceted workforce. Working since 1989 to provide the tools and resources to help women and men build leadership competencies that enhance career advancement, WFF provides a highly supportive community that offers members curated professional development, connection with peers and mentors, and inspiring insights from industry executives. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF) Sign in to access your portfolio
The Advertiser
10-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Hot tubs, cinema: top luxury holiday homes luring Aussies overseas
Villa Ivana in Dubrovnik, Croatia. By Sarah Falson From eight-bedroom villas in Bali to cave suites in Santorini, Australian travellers are upping their game when it comes to luxury overseas accommodation. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area When a hotel room just won't do, a holiday home can be just the ticket when you want more space and amenities like a pool, sauna or games room. Aussies have traditionally booked holiday homes for a domestic getaway, but now more are looking to holiday homes overseas to fill their wildest desires. This is according to Stayz which has released its list of top international holiday homes and amenities matter - think saunas, private pools, alfresco dining and expansive terraces. Stayz travel expert Sarah King said more Aussies are booking private overseas stays in Greece, Italy and Croatia. "Increasingly, Aussies are looking for more than just a room to sleep in, they want memorable stays that bring the destination to life and become a trip highlight," Ms King said. "In many instances, these homes offer private views, standout amenities, unique experiences, and sometimes better value than traditional accommodation." Here are some of Stayz's top holiday homes in top international destinations this winter. Queenstown, New Zealand: Enjoy mountain views to die for at this luxury alpine escape in the heart of Queenstown. Lake Panorama Villa has three bedrooms, so grab your besties and enjoy the private outdoor hot tub, outdoor dining area and indoor gas fireplace. Lake Panorama Villa, Queenstown, NZ. Bali, Indonesia: Australia's favourite international holiday spot just got better with this next-level escape in Seminyak boasting eight bedrooms, a private jacuzzi, sauna and cinema. If you can drag yourself away from Villa Vienna, it's also close to Bali's beaches and nightlife. Villa Vienna, Seminyak, Indonesia. Rome, Italy: Stay in a Roman apartment just minutes from the Pantheon. Argentina Luxury Terrace boasts a private hot tub and a rooftop terrace where you can sip sunset aperitivos in the heart of the Eternal City. Argentina Luxury Terrace, Rome, Italy. Dubrovnik, Croatia: An ideal stay for families above the Adriatic in the village of Mlini, Villa Ivana offers panoramic sea views and a private infinity pool and is a short drive from Dubrovnik's Old Town. Popular with families or groups seeking a coastal escape. Santorini, Greece: You can stay in a suite in a cliff in Santorini. Not only that, Cave Suite has a private terrace with a hot tub where you can enjoy sweeping caldera views, minutes to Oia's sunset spots and cafes. Six out of 10 of the top international holiday home destinations are in Europe, showing Aussies will risk jet lag for cultural cities and Mediterranean coastal escapes. Other destinations in the top 10 were Florence in Italy, London in the UK, NZ's Auckland and Crete in Greece. Cave Suite in Santorini, Greece. When it comes to holiday homes, the breadth and choice of amenities can set them apart from hotels and Aussies are looking for pools, parking for their hire car, internet, a washing machine and air conditioning. Couples are the most likely to choose international holiday homes followed by friend groups and then families. The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows more Australians are travelling overseas than before the pandemic. In April 2025, Aussies took 1,044,530 short-term trips, an 8.3 per cent increase compared with the same month in 2024, and 14 per cent higher than the pre-COVID level in April 2019. Indonesia was the most popular destination country, accounting for 13 per cent of all resident returns, followed by New Zealand and Japan. New data from the Japan Tourism Agency shows 2,626,550 Australians descended upon Tokyo between May 2024 and April 2025, up 30 per cent. Australians travelling to Osaka were up 56 per cent and Kyoto rose 33 per cent. April data from Roy Morgan showed 23 per cent of Australians planned to travel overseas in the next 12 months, up from 16 per cent in October 2022 when final pandemic-era restrictions on travel were lifted. However, the data found more Aussies, 57 per cent, were planning domestic holidays, up from 52 per cent a year ago. "Australians have always possessed a deep-seated wanderlust, and these figures confirm our enduring passion for travel," said Roy Morgan head of travel and tourism, Adele Labine-Romain. "While economic factors and confidence levels have certainly been influencing travel decisions for some, the desire to explore remains strong showing a promising future for travel." Words by Sarah Falson Sarah is ACM's travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me. Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life. My top travel tip is … Don't plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what's within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
News.com.au
02-07-2025
- News.com.au
Stayz' Best International Holiday Homes for Aussie travellers in 2025 revealed
A holiday house in Bali has taken out the top spot in Stayz' Best International Holiday Homes for Aussie travellers in 2025. Aussies are obsessed with Bali so it's no surprise a Balinese villa came out on top – but in terms of dominating the top 10, New Zealand had two holiday homes and Europe had six, with a stunning stay in Hawaii rounding out the list. The winners were based on popularity with Aussie guests, glowing traveller reviews and an unbeatable location and amenities. The homes range from one to eight bedrooms with nightly average rates between $500 and $2,500. 'We know Aussies value privacy, comfort and convenience, so we're seeing a growing demand in Aussies choosing private stays when travelling overseas – a trend that's growing faster than traditional accommodation,' Stayz Travel Expert, Sarah King told 'While a pool remains the top amenity for both international and domestic holiday homes, practical features like parking, internet, airconditioning and a washing machine are in high demand when travelling overseas.' 1. Bali Villa Vienna took out the top spot on the list with the massive eight-bedroom escape in the heart of Seminyak, ticking the wow-factor box. It has a private jacuzzi, sauna, and cinema. Just minutes from Bali's best beaches and night-life, it's an ideal base for a luxury group getaway. Ms King said the island's accessibility, exceptional value and huge range of accommodation options continue to make it a top choice for travellers. 'With more villas being built in Bali, it's no surprise we're seeing more Aussies opt for private stays, especially when they come with such standout amenities as we see with Villa Vienna.' 2. Rome, Italy Argentina Luxury Terrace in Rome came in second. It's a terrace that blends historic charm with modern indulgence. It also has a rooftop terrace with stunning views and a hot tub. All that's missing is an Aperitivo in hand. 'Location plays a big role, especially in culturally rich cities like Rome and Florence, where you can be steps from the Pantheon or tucked in the Tuscan countryside,' Ms King said. 'But it's not the only factor driving traveller demand. What truly sets these homes apart is the combination of an unbeatable location with standout features, from rooftop terraces and hot tubs to beautifully restored interiors.' 3. Queenstown, New Zealand Set in the scenic Dalefield countryside, Speargrass Lodge is a luxury alpine escape with panoramic mountain views. The four-bedroom retreat features a private pool, hot tub, outdoor fireplace, and media room – just 10 minutes from Queenstown and Arrowtown, yet worlds away in tranquillity. 'New Zealand remains a firm favourite for Aussie travellers and on Stayz we're seeing a 35 per cent increase in interest for Queenstown holiday homes, compared to last year,' Ms King told 'In Auckland, a private apartment gives travellers the space they need to relax and unwind, while still being in the heart of the city, whereas in Queenstown, it's the private cottages and lakeside homes that are most popular with Aussie travellers, where again we see some incredible amenities like private pools, hot tubs and fireplaces.' 4. Florence, Italy Originally built in the XI century, this Montelupo Fiorentino Villa has undergone a meticulous restoration, including six bedrooms, six bathrooms and two kitchens, with stunning views of the Tuscan valleys and countryside. 5. London, United Kingdom Light filled and on the ground-floor, this Contemporary Victorian Apartment is the ideal private space to unwind after a busy day of exploring – just a stone's throw away from some of London's best sights including Hyde Park, Mayfair and Kensington Palace. 6. Auckland, New Zealand It's all about the harbour views at this Heritage Penthouse three-bedroom apartment. Located in the heart of the CBD, it's the perfect private space to relax after a big day of exploring. 'The Heritage Penthouse is a standout for Aussie travellers with its central location and stunning harbour views,' Ms King said. 'Perfectly placed in the heart of the city just steps from the Sky Tower and ferry terminal, the Heritage Penthouse blends luxury and comfort. Especially when travelling with family or friends, Aussies love the convenience of having a full kitchen and laundry.' 7. Dubrovnik, Croatia Perched above the Adriatic in the peaceful village of Mlini, this Infinity Pool Villa offers panoramic sea views, a private infinity pool, and sleek modern interiors. Just a short drive from Dubrovnik's Old Town, it's the perfect blend of seclusion and access, Ms King said it's ideal for families or groups seeking a stylish coastal escape. 8. Santorini, Greece Tucked into the cliffs of Oia, Cave Suite blends traditional charm with modern indulgence. The private terrace with hot tub offers sweeping caldera views, in a serene location just steps from Oia's iconic sunset spots and cafes. 'What truly sets these homes apart is the combination of an unbeatable location with standout features, from rooftop terraces and hot tubs to beautifully restored interiors,' Ms King added. 'There's really no better way to see some of these destinations than in a unique private stay, whether that's a villa with a backdrop of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia or a cave suite overlooking the caldera in Santorini.' 9. Crete, Greece Set against the backdrop of Crete's rugged coastline, Modern Minimalistic villa is the ideal stay for families and groups. Beautifully landscaped, including a stunning pool, separate children's pool and nearby alfresco dining area, it's the perfect place to relax and indulge. 'Instead of booking multiple hotel rooms, you get one space that fits everyone, with more privacy and often a lower cost per person,' Ms King said. 10. Maui, Hawaii Offering all the comforts of home in a tropical paradise, this Luxury Oceanview Private Estate offers a peaceful getaway with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Featuring a pool, hot tub and gourmet kitchen, it has all the essentials for a laid-back island stay. 'Each property has a little bit of luxury to it, and what I mean by that is a feature or amenity that Aussies likely don't have in their own homes, such as home cinemas, hot tubs, saunas, gourmet kitchens and stunning alfresco dining areas.'
News.com.au
19-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Jetstar takes advantage of huge Thailand boom
Thailand has always been a popular destination among Aussies – but since the release of the latest White Lotus series, travel to the destination has particularly boomed. Not long after the first episode of the new season dropped in February, Expedia searches for Koh Samui, where the film is set, spiked 70 per cent. 'This year, two-thirds of travellers say movies, streaming services and TV shows have influenced their travel choices, with a 16 per cent increase year-on-year [and] this trend shows no signs of slowing in 2025,' Expedia travel expert, Sarah King said. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), during the first four months this year, Australian arrivals grew by 16 per cent year-on-year to 273,961. Jetstar has also seen a boom in passengers visiting the destination and is now expanding its services to Thailand, adding more than 100,000 new low-fare seats between the two destinations. In 2024 alone, more than 400,000 passengers visited the Southeast Asian destination. 'We're reshaping our international network to focus on high-demand destinations, adding an additional 130,000 seats across Thailand, South Korea and Japan each year, and allowing Australians to take off more, for less,' Jetstar executive manager commercial planning, Lyle Brownscombe said. From October 2025, Jetstar will introduce two additional return flights per week between Brisbane – Bangkok, bringing the total to five weekly services within a year of launch. It will also add a weekly return flight between Melbourne and Bangkok, and two extra services between Sydney and Phuket during the peak Christmas holiday travel period. Fares will start from $299 – for example from Sydney to Phuket, one-way and $309 from Melbourne to Bangkok, one-way. The boost to Thailand flights comes as Jetstar this week became the largest carrier between Australia and South Korea, adding three more weekly flights between Sydney and Seoul. The airline now operates 10 return services per week to the South Korean capital city from Sydney and Brisbane. 'Our growth into Asia is backed by a significant investment in our fleet, including next-generation aircraft and upgrades to our Dreamliners, allowing us to fly further and more efficiently with more comfort for passengers,' Ms Brownscombe said. In celebration of its expansion, the airline is having a sale. Meanwhile, Jetstar airline will retire its Australia–Hawaii service, with the final Sydney–Honolulu flight departing October 24, 2025. Qantas will subsequently operate services from Melbourne and Sydney to Honolulu. The move has allowed Jetstar to redeploy its Boeing 787 Dreamliners to high-demand routes across Asia.
